Nigeria is home to countless talented individuals who continue to demonstrate that determination, hard work and creativity can earn global recognition.

In recent years, several Nigerians have set world records in diverse fields, ranging from cooking and education to sports, art and entertainment.

Their achievements have shown that world records are not limited to athletes or celebrities. Through cooking, chess, dance, sports, art, travel and innovation, these Nigerians have demonstrated how passion and perseverance can translate into global recognition.

Here are some Nigerians who have broken world records and the remarkable feats that brought them international attention:

1. Hilda Baci – Longest cooking marathon

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci first made history in May 2023 with her four-day cooking marathon in Lagos.

She cooked for 100 hours, with Guinness World Records officially recognising 93 hours and 11 minutes of continuous cooking, surpassing the previous record.

During the marathon, Baci prepared more than 100 pots of food, an achievement that sparked widespread excitement across Nigeria and gave rise to what became known as the “Baci effect”.

Baci returned to the record books in September 2025 when she partnered with Gino Nigeria to cook the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The giant pot weighed 8,780kg (19,356lb 9oz) and produced approximately 16,600 plates of jollof rice.

She used 4,000kg of basmati rice, 164kg of goat meat and 600kg of jollof pepper mix for the record-setting attempt.

In early 2026, Guinness World Records informed Baci that the same attempt also qualified as the largest serving of rice overall.

The recognition made Baci a three-time Guinness World Records holder.

GWR also named her a GWR Icon in June 2026 for her impact on global record-breaking culture.

2. Tunde Onakoya – Longest chess marathon

Chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, gained worldwide recognition in April 2024 after playing chess continuously for over 64 hours alongside his playing partner in New York. Beyond setting the record, his mission was to raise awareness and funds to support children’s education across Africa.

3. Kaffy – Longest dance party

Nigerian professional dancer Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, made history in 2006 by setting the Guinness World Record for the Longest Dance Party after dancing for more than 55 hours. Her achievement helped elevate the status of professional dance in Nigeria.

4. Tonye Solomon – Most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on the head:

Tonye Solomon amazed the world by setting a Guinness World Record for climbing the most steps on a ladder while balancing a football on his head. His incredible balance, concentration, and determination earned him global recognition in 2021.

5. Chinonso Eche – Most consecutive football touches while balancing another football on the head:

Popularly known as “Amazing Kid Eche,” Chinonso Eche broke a Guinness World Record in 2021 by performing the most consecutive football touches while balancing another football on his head, showcasing extraordinary football freestyle skills.

6. Vincent Okezie – Fastest time to visit all seven continents

In 2023, travel enthusiast Vincent Okezie entered the record books after completing a journey across all seven continents in record time. His achievement highlighted resilience, planning, and a passion for exploration.

7. Dr. Fola David – Largest drawing by an individual

Medical doctor and visual artist Dr. Fola David made history by creating one of the largest artworks ever produced by a single individual in 2024. His masterpiece celebrated Nigeria’s rich culture and diversity while earning international recognition.

8. Chukwuebuka Ezugha – Most football headers in one minute

Football freestyler Chukwuebuka Ezugha secured a Guinness World Record in 2023 by performing the highest number of football headers in one minute, demonstrating exceptional skill, speed, and endurance.

9. Bayo Omoboriowo – Global photography recognition

On 30 September 2021, Nigeria entered the record books after unveiling the largest photo book in the world. Measuring 60.84 square metres, the massive book was produced by TheJTAgency in collaboration with renowned photographer Bayo Omoboriowo and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a supersized recreation of Discover Nigeria, and was officially verified in Abuja.

10. Peter Aho – Cricket bowling record

Nigerian cricketer Peter Aho made international headlines in 2021 by becoming the first bowler in T20 International cricket to claim a seven-wicket haul while conceding just five runs in a match. The performance remains one of the best bowling figures in the history of the format. (The Nation)

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